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New Book: (Famous) Drummers Talk About Drumming For Other Drummers.

'Beyond The Beats' features Rock & Metal's Drum Superstars!

The drummers behind the kits for some of the most legendary, iconic bands in Rock and Metal, and who provided the back beat for some of their most memorable songs all appear in the just published book, 'Beyond The Beats: Rock & Roll's Greatest Drummers Speak!' (Baker & Taylor) Between the covers of the new book, the likes of Lars Ulrich (Metallica), Joey Kramer (Aerosmith), Matt Sorum (The Cult, G N'R), Kenny Aronoff (John Mellencamp & others), Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peps, Chickenfoot) and many more, all share their personal drum 'stories' for the first time. (See a few of the excerpts below) The musicians 'walk back' their careers to recall their first introduction to the drums, who put the sticks in their hands, and who helped them along the way to ultimately playing in front of crowds of fans in auditoriums, arenas, & stadiums. Also revealed by the artists are the inspirations for their most famous beats and the accompanying tales of the song's creation and recording. Some of the other drummers who share their stories include Tommy Lee (Motley Crue), Stu Clifford (C.C.R.), Tico Torres (Bon Jovi), and Steve Smith, most well known for being w/ Journey but also with a very impressive resume of Jazz recordings/performances. Drum On!

A few excerpts from 'Beyond The Beats: Rock & Roll's Greatest Drummers Speak!'

"I think that less-is-more is probably, or should be, in my opinion, the golden rule for all drummers. In particular, the best example I can cite is John Bonham, because there were places where he didn't play, and those places that he didn't play — if you listen throughout his catalog — they really stand out for me. Instead of what the typical drummer would do, I think that's very important, and I think that a lot of drummers never realize that." — Joey Kramer, AEROSMITH

"When we were developing 'Don't Stop Believin'', I started trying some of those ideas as a counter-point to what was going on melodically and rhythmically with the chords and guitar riffs, and basically I went home after some of our rehearsals, and worked out all of my more complex drum parts - that was my process. They really featured that drum beat in the mix, and I think it's because it's a pretty big signature part of the song." — Steve Smith, JOURNEY​

"My parents weren't about to run out and buy little Johnny a drum set! They were very supportive, but at first, they were like a little wary to see where I was gonna go with this hitting thing, so my dad went to the garbage in the back of the local Baskin Robbins in the local town I lived in at the time, Birmingham, Michigan. He took a few thrown-out ice cream tubs and I used Lincoln Log kid's toys for drum sticks. I started out with only the finest equipment at 6, 7 years old." — Chad Smith, RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS​